President Trump praised a Supreme Court justice as his “new hero” after a major ruling limited his tariff authority. The decision, handed down in a 6–3 vote, curtailed the administration’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs. President Trump responded by highlighting the dissenting justices who sided with his position.
The case centered on the president’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify broad tariffs. The majority ruled that Congress holds constitutional authority over taxation and trade measures, restricting unilateral executive action in this instance. The decision marks a significant judicial check on presidential power in trade policy.
President Trump singled out Brett Kavanaugh as his “new hero,” praising his dissenting opinion. He also commended Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito for opposing the majority. The dissent argued that the ruling improperly limited executive flexibility in responding to international economic threats.
Following the decision, President Trump signaled he would continue pursuing aggressive trade policies. He announced plans to raise tariff levels to 15 percent, reinforcing his commitment to protecting American manufacturing and confronting foreign trade imbalances. The administration indicated it would explore alternative legal pathways to maintain pressure on trading partners.
The ruling underscores ongoing tension between the executive branch and the judiciary over separation of powers. While critics view the decision as a constitutional safeguard, supporters of President Trump argue it restricts necessary tools to defend national economic interests. The outcome reshapes the legal boundaries of tariff authority and sets up further debate over trade policy in the months ahead.
